Winchester’s Moon Roast Coffee has been named a local food superstar in the latest guide to the best produce in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

The coffee producer is among 350 food, drink and craft businesses to be included in the Hampshire Fare Local Produce Guide 2024.

The guide was launched by former England Rugby Union star Steve Thompson, who is also a director of Gosport’s Powder Monkey Brewing Co.

Hampshire Chronicle: Hampshire Fare products

Steve said: “As someone who loves food and cooking, the importance of supporting local producers is paramount.  Wherever possible I use local produce, knowing the quality will be excellent.”

Francis Bradshaw, owner of Moon Roast Coffee, said: “We have been part of Hampshire Fare since day one. It is an incredibly important organisation for small, artisan producers like us. We not only feel supported, but as a network of local producers we can come together and share our experiences and support each other.”

The Hampshire Fare Local Produce Guide includes the best of the region’s food and drink businesses, from chocolatiers, beekeepers, bakeries and breweries to farm shops, pubs, vineyards, and farmer’s markets.

Natasha Dochniak, of Hampshire Fare, said: “Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have become leaders in the food and drink scene in the British Isles over the last decade. There has been a massive consumer movement focusing on eating food and drink produced locally.

“Our two counties have temperate climates with diverse growing conditions and varied landscapes – coast, countryside, chalk rivers, rolling downlands, heaths and ancient forests. That means our local larder is rich – we have fabulous natural seasonal produce that the region is renowned for – strawberries, chalk stream trout, watercress, crab, lamb, fish and pannage pork from the New Forest. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Andy Burdon CEO Powder Monkey, Natasha Dochniak and Steve Thompson MBE

“Our amazing and talented producers and chefs create products from that larder and bring them to our communities through farm shops, local High Streets, farmer’s markets, pubs, cafes, restaurants and online.

“Local food is usually seasonal and fresh. It’s often produced by small businesses who are passionate about their products, their customers and their communities. It’s also travelled less – and fewer food miles means a more sustainable, environmentally friendly food and drink scene and thriving local economy. It’s something to be celebrated and this guide does just that.”

The Hampshire Fare Local Produce Guide can be viewed and downloaded on the website hampshirefare.co.uk and is also available free from member outlets – look out for the sign of the Hampshire Hog.